Billie Owens's blog

Daniel J. Gilbert is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Gilbert knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Gilbert is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Gilbert or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marquis K. Saddler is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Saddler knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Saddler is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Saddler or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marlek E. Holmes is accused of the crime of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on June 23 at the Genesee County Courts Facility Holmes intentionally disobeyed or resisted the lawful process or other mandate of a court by violating an order of protection issued by Batavia City Court on Dec. 2, 2015. Holmes allegedly violated the portion of the order which directed him to refrain from communication or any other contact ny mail, telephone, email, voice-mail or other electronic, or any other, means with the protected person. In addition, he is alleged to have violated that portion of the order of protection which directed him to refrain from harassment or any other criminal offense against the protected party.

Tammy L. Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 18 in the Town of Le Roy, that Strassner-Noble operated a 2012 Cadillac on Main Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license in New York was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn. It is further alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Main Street in the Town of Le Roy on April 6 and of operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count three, she is accused of drving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, on June 18 on Main Street in Le Roy while intoxicated.

A barn fire is reported at 5520 N. Byron Road. Elba and Byron fire departments are responding. "It is believed to be 'The Big O', which is the onion growing company's name. Smoke is seen coming from the structure.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: This is a confirmed, working barn fire. Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to stand by in Elba's fire hall. Bergen, Oakfield and Stafford are also called to the scene.

UPDATE 7:39 a.m.: This has gone to a third alarm. Alabama, Alexander, Bethany and East Pembroke fire departments are also called to the scene, along with the Town of Batavia's ladder truck.

UPDATE 8:05 a.m.: South Byron Fire Police are called to shut down traffic at North Byron and Transit roads. Churchville is asked to fill in at Bergen's fire hall.

UPDATE 8:17 a.m.: Alexander, Darien, Pembroke and Indian Falls are asked to have crews stand by in their respective fire halls in case needed. Two tankers out of Brockport are requested to the fire.

UPDATE 8:48 a.m.: National Grid is on scene. Barre is responding. Attica is asked to fill in at Alexander.

UPDATE 9:12 a.m.: "We have rolling flames," says a firefighter.

UPDATE(S) 10:49 a.m. (by Howard): When I left the scene 20 minutes ago, the fire was still burning. Fire crews are likely to be on scene all day. I'm going to start working on my pictures and head out later for follow up.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: The female driver struck an extremely slick icy patch in front of the rec hall, and her vehicle crashed into a tree, driver's side first. It took medics a long time to stabilize her and her injuries are very severe.

A tractor-tractor is disabled in front of the Flying J Travel Plaza on Route 77. It is reportedly broken at the frame and may be leaking hazardous materials. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to respond.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire police are called to assist law enforcement in shutting down traffic at the Flying J due to this haz-mat incident.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m. (by Howard): A reader sent in this picture about an hour ago. The reader said the trailer apparently still hadn't been unloaded at that time. We've heard no further updates.

A car vs. pedestrian accident with injuries is reported at 215 E. Main St., in front of the Continental School of Beauty. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:59 p.m.: The location is actually just east of Liberty Street in front of the First Presbyterian Church.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: The adult male victim is conscious and alert and being transported to UMMC for evaluation. He was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn from Summit Street onto Main Street as he crossed south. The investigation is continuing.

A structure fire is reported in the second-story apartment at 226 Ellicott St. Fire could be seen from the window. City fire command reports bulk of fire is knocked down, checking for extensions. Elba's rescue unit was called to respond as was Alexander's Fast Team but both services were canceled. Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: Fire is out. Town of Batavia released from standby.

UPDATE 6:28 a.m.: Press release:

On Friday, Nov. 10, at 11:49 p.m., the City of Batavia Fire Department was called for a report of smoke and fire coming from a second-story window at 226 Ellicott St., City of Batavia. Upon arrival at 11:52 p.m., firefighters found fire coming from a second-story window of a two-story, wood frame structure. The first story houses a hair salon and the second story is a single-family apartment. Firefighters forced the second-story door and made a quick interior attack of the fire with a handline. The fire was contained to the room of origin and called under control a 12:15 a.m. There was no one home at the time of the fire. The two residents that reside there are being assisted by the Red Cross. The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the Alexander Fire Department, Elba Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Management Office, and the City of Batavia Police Department. The fire remains under investigation by the City of Batavia Fire Department.

The "Benefit for Bob" chicken BBQ to benefit Bob Yungfleisch, former chief of the all-volunteer East Pembroke Fire District, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6.

This is a take-out-only dinner and Chinese auction at the East Pembroke Fire Hall. Cost is $10 per person. Pick up is from noon till sold out.

Advance ticket sales are strongly desired.

It is important to contact the fire hall or organizer Don Newton IN ADVANCE about buying tickets and/or making a donation so people know how many chicken dinners to buy. They don't want to buy too many unnecessarily or not have enough for those who show up.

Karl R. Samuelson, 62, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Samuelson was arrested at 5:27 p.m. on Oct. 27 on Lewiston Road in Batavia after he allegedly stole a bottle of liquour from Mr. Wine & Liquor in Tops Plaza. He was released with an appearance ticket for City Court on Nov. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

A 16-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia is charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly engaging in a physical altercation with another student at Batavia High School at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Nov. 8 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Miracle Angel Patterson, 25, no permanent address, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court on Oct. 30 after being located in Rochester on an unrelated incident. Patterson is charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property stemming from an incident on Jan. 26, 2015 on Park Road Road, Batavia. Patterson was arraigned and held in Genesee County Jail without bail. Patterson was due in City Court on Oct. 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joseph M. Marsceill, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 31 on a bench warrant out of Batavia Town Court. He was advised to appear in Batavia City Court at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 and was subsequently arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail on $350 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Richard E. Stafford, 76, of Orange Grove Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in court regarding an unspecified incident on May 9 on East Main Street, Batavia. Stafford was arrested Oct. 31 on a warrant out of Batavia Town Court after being released from UMMC. He was arraigned in City Court then put in Genesee County Jail on $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with failure to appear on a bench warrant. During an unrelated investigation, Hernandez was located inside a residence on Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. He was subsequently arrested, posted cash bail, and was released from custody. He is scheduled to be in City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

There was a two-vehicle accident at 10198 W. Bethany Road this afternoon. Alexander Fire Department was called to the scene, with the Bethany Fire Department assisting. The two drivers were transported by ambulance to an area hospital(s).

UPDATE 10:06 p.m. (by Howard): John Brown, owner of Select Collision, wrote to us this evening. It was his son Brandon in the vehicle in the top photo. Brandon is at Strong with no major injuries. John said Brandon crested the hill and there was a vehicle coming at him on the center line. He swerved to avoid the vehicle and lost control, crossing into the truck's lane. His car was split into two. In John's words, "He walked away."

UPDATE Tuesday, Nov. 1 (by Howard): The accident was reported at 2:34 p.m. in the area of 10198 W. Bethany Road, Alexander. Brandon J. Brown, 17, of Conway Road, East Bethany, was driving a 2008 Subaru Legacy northbound on West Bethany Road and traveled over the center of the roadway, according to the Sheriff's Office, and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. That vehicle was driven by Joseph L. Graham, 49, of Werner Road, Attica, in a 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup. Both drivers were able to exit their vehicles. Brown was transported by Alexander ambulance to ECMC with head and arm injuries. Graham was transported to Strong by Mercy EMS with neck and hip injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Assisting were the Town of Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Alexander fire and Mercy EMS. The accident is being investigated by Deputy Chris Parker and Deputy Lonnie Nati and Investigator James Diehl.

At around 1:30 p.m. today, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics were called to 4975 West Ag Park Drive for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment and the vehicle on fire.

The accident is said to have occurred at the bend behind the County Maintenance Building.

The female victim reportedly made it out of the vehicle with the assistance of two passersby, however the truck was into the woods and on fire at last report.

Mercy Flight was requested.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: Tim Hens shared this on social media:

Crazy afternoon. Sitting in my office when I hear a police call on the scanner for a single vehicle off the road with entrapment and on fire literally 1500 ft from my office.

Jumped in my car and responded with a few guys from the shop... Christopher J Klein, Rob Barone, Mike Nicolucci and Tyler Lang. Showed up to a fully engulfed vehicle. Tried to extinguish with a few small fire extinguishers with no luck. We were beside ourselves thinking there was someone inside, but two earlier passers-by luckily got there before us and managed to drag the woman to safety into the woods. They had to pry the passenger door open with the cab on fire and yank her out! Truly heroic whoever they were! Tyler Lang did an awesome job keeping the woman stabilized until police and Mercy Flight got there.

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts has been recognized as a 2016 Healthiest Employer, an awards program presented by Syracuse Media Group. The company has two stores in Genesee County, one in Batavia, the other in Le Roy.

Select employers from New York State were named winners of the awards program, held earlier this month. The winning organizations were honored for their commitment to employee health, with exceptional corporate wellness programming.

Award applicants were evaluated across six key categories: Culture and Leadership, Foundational Components, Strategic Planning, Communication and Marketing, Programming and Interventions, and Reporting and Analysis. Completed assessments were ranked with the proprietary Healthiest Employer Index, a 1-100 metric for wellness programming.

“At TOPS we take great pride in ensuring a healthy working environment for all of our employees. We encourage involvement in company-wide fitness challenges, health screenings, and provide numerous resources for our associates so that they can actively take charge of their health and well-being,” said Gail Marchese, Manager, Benefits and Wellness for Tops Friendly Markets.

Earlier this month Tops was also honored as a recipient of the prestigious “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Award.” This award is the highest, most-coveted distinction in the corporate wellness industry, with only 100 companies in the US earning such designation each year.

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce an expansion of its annual schedule of events for veterans at the Batavia Campus Center. Veterans of all ages, active duty, reserve or separated veterans, along with their families and friends are invited to GCC for special opportunities on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11.

"We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the many offerings and opportunities we have here at GCC for veterans," Marie Giardino, program director of Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) said. "While these special events are planned around Veterans Day, our services continue throughout the year at all of our campus locations."

On Thursday, Nov. 10, from 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. in the College Forum, the Batavia campus will host a Veterans Career and Community Fair, giving veterans the opportunity to meet with potential employers and interact with numerous community agencies that offer an array of helpful services. Veterans can interact with regional service providers in higher education, vocational training, healthcare, housing and transportation. Among the organizations that will be present (subject to change):

• Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY Inc.

• Rochester Regional Health

• Bonduelle USA Inc.

• Five Star Bank

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• ATB Staffing Services

• National Tractor Trailer School

• NY Army National Guard

• Navient/Pioneer Credit Recovery

• ConServe

• Darien Lake Amusement Park

• Fidelis Care New York

• United Memorial Medical Center

Veterans should plan on bringing their resumes, a copy of their DD214 forms, and if they are looking for employment -- "dress to impress!"

Prior to the Career and Community Fair from 1 – 1:45 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to listen to Purple Heart recipient Benjamin Randle Jr., director of Veterans Affairs at D'Youville College, who will speak about the life changing educational opportunities. Randle is a Vietnam War Veteran and his talk will occur in room T102 in the Conable Technology Building.

The annual Veterans Day "Faculty Connect" Open House in Batavia is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11,and it's the biggest recruitment event of the year at GCC.

Visitors have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professors and instructors at the Academic Fair which runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and gain inside knowledge about GCC's many majors and long-term career projections. The admissions, financial aid and advisement staff are available to answer questions, and visitors can enjoy complete tours of the Batavia campus, College Village and the College's Nursing labs, as well as the dedicated Veterans Lounge. Those looking for a comprehensive review of the academics, admissions and the overall GCC experience should register for this event! Go towww.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or call 866-CALL-GCC.

After the Open House, a series of special Veterans Day events adds to the day, honoring the brave men and women who have defended our country. Tim Palmer, a Navy veteran, GCC adjunct history instructor and recent SUNY Chancellor Award recipient will serve as keynote speaker for this year's event. Veterans from all eras will be recognized with the Wall of Honor photo display; a rotating photo show of veterans related to any and all GCC students, faculty and staff; a thank you board will be available and open for all to sign; and motivating music, literary readings and refreshments rounds out the day.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said the safety and well-being of trick-or-treaters must not be overlooked this Halloween, as many youngsters will be out in high volume, even after sunset.

“Halloween is a great opportunity for kids and adults alike to show off their creativity, celebrate their favorite monsters, superheroes and celebrities, and enjoy all types of tasty treats; however, safety must come first,” Hawley said. “A little precaution goes a long way when there are so many young people out. Candy and costumes are important, but ensuring every child makes it home safely is the priority.”

Hawley offered some safety recommendations. He said flashlights for trick-or-treaters out after dusk will help them see and be seen as they move from home to home. Young children should be supervised by an adult, he said, while those old enough to go out without a parent should stay in groups. Parents should make sure their children know never to enter the home of a stranger and should set up a specific time they expect to hear from them.

Costumes should not restrict the vision of those seeking treats and if they are made of dark material, reflectors will help ensure drivers can see them crossing the street. And, for those who will be handing out candy this Halloween, be sure there is a clear walking path to your front door so revelers don’t trip over any lawn decorations.

“Fall fun is at its pinnacle during Halloween thanks to great parties, candy and the company of our friends and family. Please join me in making sure this Halloween is safe and enjoyable for everyone participating,” Hawley added.

Jeffrey William Scott, 33, of Market Street, Leicester, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; operating a motor vehicle while registration is suspended; operating motor vehicle without insurance; unsafe tires; and failure to keep right. Scott was originally involved in a one-vehicle accident on Fargo Road in the Town of Stafford on June 2. As a result, he was flown by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center. On Oct. 26, he turned himself in at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and was arrested on the charges. Scott was released on appearance tickets for Stafford Town Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.